Who We Are

Planning & Design

The first step is to meet with the Oakbridge team to discuss the plans for your dream home. You may already know exactly what you want, or you may be looking for input based on our experience. The second step is to start the drawings and floor plans, this process is based on the the package you’ve selected — no matter which package, our service remains the same.

Frame Preparation

Preparing a frame is an intense, yet wonderfully rewarding process. Each timber is hand selected for it’s own unique purpose within the frame, grain direction, knot location, and timber grade and size are all factors in the decision. Next we begin hand-crafting each timber, every chisel cut and every peg hole precisely located. Once we are perfectly satisfied with each timber, we begin staining and sealing, ensuring that each timber’s beauty will last for generations to come.

Hand Selection

Every post, brace, strut, girder, hammer post, collar tie, rafter, and ridge beam must be hand selected. Each one is hand selected to ensure that it is the perfect fit for its task. The process of hand selection is learned through years of experience, working with wood and learning how it ages.

Manufacturing Methods

Some may call our hands-on manufacturing methods “dated”; we prefer “proven”. Each joint fitted, each newel cut, and each peg hole drilled by craftsmen who understand the wood, whose touch can sense any imperfections. Our use of hand tools and pneumatic powered saws allows us to maintain superior quality control while being environmentally conscious at the same time.

Hammer & Chisel

This combination has been shaping wood and stone since the beginning of mankind. High quality chisels are a must for each of our craftsmen. A razor sharp chisel helps us create a beautiful fit for each and every component. It is hard to improve on quality you receive from an experienced craftsman with this combination in his hands.

Mortise & Tenon

Traditional pinned-tenon joinery has a long history of strength and longevity. Special care is taken for each mortise hollowed out and each tenon formed, a precise fit is key to a solid frame.

Hammer Beam Post Newel

The end-cap is a detail that can be easily overlooked, but adds a beautiful finishing touch. It is a very effective way to add a bit of art to each hammer post. Each of these beautiful end-caps is cut, refined, and finished by hand.

Hickory Pegs

This simple piece of wood is literally what holds it all together. Hickory is known for its tensile strength, this strength is what makes it the best choice to fill such a pivotal role in strength of the entire frame system.

Loading & Transportation

Every frame that leaves our facility has a special place in our hearts. The hours that have been spent pouring over every detail, cutting every mortise, tenon, and end-cap. However when the frame is loaded up and ships out, we are filled with excitement for a new dream home about to be built.

Arrival & Preparation

The excitement is new each time we arrive at a frame raising location. A van full of men, passionate about their trade, a trailer full of tools, and a semi-truck with a beautiful timber frame. Yet the best part is seeing the excitement in a new homeowner’s eyes; excitement for a dream — sometimes years in the making — about to come true.

Frame Raising

The frame raising is an art form in its own right. As in any well orchestrated ballet, orchestra recital or Broadway show, the process of assembling and raising the frame is born of practice, planning, and experience. The timbers fitting as puzzle pieces, the team work well rehearsed, and the seasoned director seemingly pointing each piece into place. It’s time to grab the popcorn and enjoy the show.

The Dream Fulfilled

Finally the years of planning have paid off. You’ve been through every process from “what’s a timber frame” to “the last box has been unpacked”. Looking back you may wonder how you made it through; but you did. Now take the time to enjoy your new home. The rich wood colors, the beauty and character of each and every timber. This is what you’ve been dreaming of for so long — enjoy it.